Packaging News You Can Use

Join JoAnn Hines in this informative webinar provided by Sustainable Life Media

Live April 9th

Packaging is designed to convey and protect but what other functions must it serve too? Green product packaging and sustainability is the hottest issue facing manufacturers today. There is considerable confusion about what really is considered sustainable and why? How will this change affect the supply chain? Will “going green” change your brand perception from customers or more importantly will consumers really care? JoAnn will answer these questions and more, include a variety of case studies in packaging innovation and rebranding, and give you smart ideas for rationally including sustainability as part of operations and brand strategy.

Register @ http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/events/online/sbbootcamp

Packaging Diva Discount:
If you plan to attend the Sustainable Life Media Bootcamp
Get a 15% discount using my special code spksbbcs2 when you register
@ http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/events/online/sbbootcamp

Tags: business, business and the environment, climate change, corporate social responsibility, CSR, Earth Day, eco packaging, global warming, green, greenwash, online community, package design, packaging design, packaging innovation, Rebranding, social media, sustainability, Sustainable Life Media, sustainable packaging

• Why These Complex Times Demand Simpler Packaging @ http://bit.ly/d83qO7
  Information overload. How many messages can we assimilate? Packaging is a primary way to get the word out why people should buy your product, but if they are confused you might loose them to someone that tells a better story.
  More on point: Does Simple Packaging Sell? @ http://is.gd/8Ep7g
• When social media goes anti-social Nestle has a Facebook mess @ http://is.gd/aUdbd
  The in vogue strategy is now to use a variety of social media methods to engage the consumer. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. One thing is for sure if you screw up the world will know it.
  More On Point: What Has Twitter Got To Do With Packaging?
• Packaging goes mainstream visibility when Seth Godin blogs about it @ http://is.gd/aX4SV
  It’s so rare to get good publicity for packaging. The leading pundits always want to rip it. Finally someone out side the “packaging” community that gets it!
  More on Point: People Against Packaging
• Cosmetics packaging as important as the product quality @ http://tinyurl.com/yf89zcs
  Sometimes the outside of the package is as important as what’s inside especially in cosmetics where premium products need premium packaging. Remember the perception thing a $90 product in a $.50 box won’t cut it with consumers.
  More on point @ Is What’s On The Outside Of Your Packaging What is Inside?
• PangeaOrganics Eco-friendly packaging http://nyti.ms/cosmeticsjar + plantable packaging: http://nyti.ms/plantablebox
  Pangea gets it and knows how to maximize their branding with the eco-friendly packaging. They have stayed true to their brand and expanding their offerings.
  More on point : Packaging “Greenwash” – Saving the Environment

Tags: cosmetics packaging, eco friendly, environment, greenwash, Nestle, packaging, Peter Clarke, plantable packaging, Product Ventures, Seth Godin, simple packaging, social media, society, sustainability, Twitter

• Sometimes the outside of the package is as important as what’s inside. People make decisions on the perceived value of your packaging based upon the way it appears on the shelf. If the packaging looks cheap then you are already sending negativity about the product inside.  Appearance counts both inside and out!
  For more insights read: Is What’s On The Outside Of Your Packaging What is Inside?
• People will pay more for your product if you marry the need with the right packaging application. So many of the most innovative new packages have been created to solve a consumer need. AKA the birth of convenience packaging for time crunched consumers.
  For more insights read: Baby’s Got Bling- You Can Package Anything
• Social media can be a blessing or a curse. As U frame your packaging strategy look at what’s working and what’s not. Just because its the in thing to do doesn’t mean it will work for you. Consider all the ramifications before you implement your social media strategy.
  For more insights read: Your Packaging Does What?
• If simplistic is your packaging objective make sure its not so “simple” that you lose your core consumer message. People need to know certain elements about your packaging. If is missing or misunderstood you may lose the sale.
  For more insights read: Does Simple Packaging Sell?
• Packaging innovation can make or break you. Consider 1st is this something the consumer really wants or needs? Just because it sounds good on paper or in theory doesn’t mean its a viable packaging concept.
  For more insights read: How Packaging Can Transform An Industry

Tags: Consumers, convenience packaging, Facebook, LinkedIn, packaging innovation, packaging strategy, packaging tips, retail, simple packaging, social media, Twitter

Music packaging transforms Into a Cardboard Record Player! @ http://su.pr/1K9PcF

Whether its commercially viable or not this type packaging innovation gets lots of free publicity

Frito-Lay just introduced what it is calling the 1st “100% compostable” chip bag @ http://is.gd/aM7NH

Think of all the snack food bags out there. If this works as promised could revolutionize snack food packaging.

Anti Anti pkg Ad Imagines World Where U Carry Meat On Your Arm @ http://bit.ly/b1BgID People are always ripping packaging. This video talks about a world without packaging. You can help solve the problem too.

Weigh in on People Against Packaging @ and express your thoughts how we can solve the packaging problem.

Grow your packaging and why sustainability is behind Steelcase’s big IT overhaul @ http://is.gd/aIwP0

Sustainability is this years buzz word. Is it real and achievable?

I’m presenting a webinar Designing Sustainable Packaging: Fact or Fiction? on 4/9

for Sustainable Life Media

(time and session details to follow soon)

Tags: Compostable, eco packaging, Elipso, FritoLay, green packaging, Huffington Post, overpackaging, packaging design, packaging innovation, Sustainable Life Media, sustainable packaging

• Clever positioning with packaging innovation can get you noticed both by media and consumers. Consider what’s currently hot and use it to your advantage. Popular innovations can get lots of crossover support.
• Plan your packaging around big media events. If you are “green” or sustainable packaging anything the next big media date is Earth Day 4/22/2010. This event grows bigger every year and its never to early to start. Read : Packaging Greenwash: Saving The Environment
• Me, I’m launching my new ebook “Is It Green Or Garbage?” and presenting a webinar for designing sustainable packaging 4/9 for Sustainable Life Media (time and session details to follow)
• Find the leaders in your field or industry. Follow them thorough social media and engage them for more visibility and more influence within your field. Be sure and follow me on Twitter to as packagingdiva. I’m considered the most influential packaging peep.
• Know your packaging “issues” and be prepared to defend them. Social media makes everything highly visible to all. If you have a packaging problem the world will know about it. In fact packaging problems make up a lot of the content on my packaging blog so be advised accordingly (LOL).
• For every opinion about your packaging there is opposite or opposing position. Worry about your core audience who buys your products not kooks or detractors. Read: Who Are You Packaging Your Product For Anyway?

Tags: Earth Day, green packaging, greenwash, package design, packaging, packaging innovation, social media, sustainability, Sustainable Life Media, Twitter